... Just a year ago we moved into our new {70s} home. We've made so many changes to it that I thought a before& after post of the whole house would be fun. I'll put links throughout the post to the specific rooms in the house so if you've got any questions, check those post for answers, sources, how to's, etc. Also, the pics have been taken throughout the past year as we completed the projects which is why you'll see so many seasons in the different pics.

Our house had been vacant and on the market for about 4 years before we came along & bought it. (above) You can read the original post I did about it here. I was totally IN LOVE even though it was a bit sad-looking. We were told by numerous family members (and even one of our realtors!) what a mistake it would be to buy this house. Well, my husband & I aren't known for listening to others (Sometimes to our detriment & sometimes to our benefit!)... so we took the plunge anyway.

We painted the cedar a dark gray and added a trellis with climbing jasmine and as many shrubs as we could afford. (Still planning on adding more :) Here's a photo I took "after" during one of the blizzards we had this year:

The entrance (below) was in need of some loving:

...And here's what it looks like now (errr on Halloween ;):

{Bright orange front door, new lantern, rug, paint, etc.}

Our foyer was really bad. I'm not even sure the photo below does it justice. The linoleum floor was beaten up & grimy and the pendant cast a sickly yellow light in the space:

{Before}

I wanted something interesting and a little "off"... and something that would have a big impact when you first walked in... so we hung a bunch of DaVinci sketches randomly along the walls:

The living room is one of my favorite parts of our house. We're up in the trees and it feels like a treehouse, especially with all of the windows open and a breeze blowing through. Here's a photo of it before with wall-to-wall carpet:

And here it is now (or last week; I've already rearranged since this pic, something I do all the time)..

{My husband, Dave, installed hardwood floors and we had a custom wool rug cut for a soft spot to play for our kids}

And here it is this week: (I promise I don't have too much time on my hands!! ;) ;)

Here's a view of the side wall before:

And here it is now:

{photo by Helen Norman}

{We added an a mantle with a mirror for a focal point on the once bland wall. Dave also did an awesome job stencilling the wall with an allover pattern... )

Here's the bookshelf we jam-packed with books & things we've collected over the years. The 2 lower shelves house toy boxes:

The dining room is smaller than it looks and is open to the living room. Here it is "before:"

And here is is now:

{After: New chandelier, furniture, blown-up 15th Century Drawing on wall... For details on the dining room click here}

Our kitchen met with its end the second day after closing on the house... Here it was before:

And here it is now:

{We removed the upper cabinets, added beadboard & shelving, painted the lowers, did hardwoods and painted out old fridge with chalkboard paint for fun}

Here's our little breakfast nook now:

{It's a great place to hang and I love our old-fashioned wallpaper... For details on our kitchen redo, click here}

Ok, now onto the bedroom! Here's our bedroom 'before' in all its glory:

{yum! yum!}

And here it is now:

{That's Ashby on the bed. We found the brass headboard on the side of the road and it sort of guided the design of the room which is a mix of old & new, white and metallic.. for more details, go here ...photo by Helen Norman.}

I hung up some of my jewelry on the wall & I wear it so much more than I used to:

...Like I said, things move around a lot... Here's a view of my nightstand with the chair over there:

We hung up pages of the Saggy Baggy Elephant on the walls (above) and turned his closet into a little play area with a chalkboard paint hill and a green vintage wallpaper lion:

We just finished decorating our new baby's (4 month old Justin) nursery. We went dark & a little nutty in here:

The walls are a dark navy and we made the canopy out of a stencilled dropcloth. we made sure to include a place for Christian to hang out in Justin's room so he feels included:

{Christian chillin in his reading nook}

Now onto the lower level. (And I'm only showing you one room down here because the rest are still in progress and are NOT pretty) Here's the space before, planned to be a combination family room and office:

{lovely linoleum}

And here it is now:

I love having this huge table to spread projects out on. We had wall-to-wall seagrass carpet installed and we love it. (It can't be hurt!!) I wanted it to feel happy & airy down here so the panelling got a fresh coat of aqua paint.

Before we moved in, there was a weird fenced in elevated area with a drop ceiling. Don't ask because I don't know why:

...So we knocked it all down & leveled it and it's now the TV/ seating/ play area:

Having a ton of hidden toy storage is key to keeping me feeling sane:

We've got an ever-growing collection of flea market paintings so up they go above the sofa:

And finally, here's another veiw of the family room before:

{Gotta love that 70s stone}

We debated & debated about what to do with the stone and the wood-burning stove but in the strangest way the stone started to grow on me and now I love it. The wood-burning stove was awesome & so cozy in the snow storms, so it's definitely staying for now:

Lauren what a fun virtual tour of your wonderful home. You two have done so much in just one year. What a transformation and you had a baby. You are wonder woman for sure. It is all so lovel it would be hard to pick out a favorite. I am really liking your new work area. It is a really good place for you to be your creative self. Great job!! Kathysue

Purely no small feat...and you gave birth too. Truly, the sheer power and energy of pregnancy is awe inspiring and making a house a home during it all, deserves another level of some sort of trophy or award. I love all the changes that you made to put your stamp on your nest. I bestow upon you a crown of laurel wreath, and a torch to run behind you. You are like an Olympian of style in the home.pve

So enjoyed seeing your house tour. I have been happily following your blog fro a while and really liked seeing your entire house - in all its beauty! - in one post. Thanks for sharing your talent and ideas.

Your home is absolutely fabulous! I love the mix of unique pieces and styles-it's so stylish. Your living room is one of my all time favorites and I would be one happy girl if I could take every piece home with me. :) The fireplace wall is gorgeous! GREAT job!Sarah :)

Looks so beautiful! You did such a great job. Thanks for sharing. We moved into our house in Sept. and still have several rooms that I need to complete, including a nursery before we hit our one year anniversary in the house. Thanks for the inspiration!

wowwww!! You have done an absolutely amazing job remodeling your home! I love your style! Thanks so much for the great inspiration!!! I am drooling over your kitchen :) And bedroom! (mine needs a big makeover)

I was house 4 on the tour. I just want to say I adore your house! You have such a great eclectic funky style! The orange door, the big picture in the dining area, all the flea market finds - so unexpected - that's why it's so great!!

Oh my word. You guys are so smart. I want to know who comes up with the ideas? I looooooooovve the chalkboard fridge! What a great idea to deal with an old one! LOOOOOVEEE It! I'll definately be back to really look at all your smartness...I love this tour! Thanks for sharing. Have a Blessed Day,Sherry

thanks for the tour, Lauren. I've been seeing bits and pieces since i began following you a couple of months ago, so it's nice to see the global view. Very well done, edited and thoughtful. I think you have a lot of talent, girl!www.divinedistractions.blogspot.com

I think I started reading your blog just as you were on the hunt for your new home. I have loved watching you transform it into this amazing, inviting, beautiful space for your family. It really is incredible the changes you have made in such a short time. As always, I applaud your creative genius. I think your kitchen is my favorite, no surely it is the orange door, but wait, there's the fabulous entry...oh, forget about it, I LOVE IT ALL! And the fact that such a wonderful family lives here is just icing on the cake!

I'm #3 coming over to see todays' homes on parade. Yours is spectacular. Adore all the details! I especially love the corner placement of your chandy on your main level. Brilliant. Thanks for giving us a tour!

Such a great post! I love the personable home tour and the story that goes along. It's always fascinating to see the before and after pictures too...transformations are truly amazing. You've done a fabulous job with your house!

Lauren, I think you're brilliant w/your talent--not to mention classy and adorable. Thanks for all the inspiration! I love the bright front door too...my house is dark grey with white trim. I might just have to part w/my black door if my blasted HOA will allow it.

Still waiting for your new header! Am in the process of starting up my own blog, and am starving for some inspiration!

The entire transformation is awe inspiring! I think my favorite areas though have to be the foyer (brilliant!) and the kitchen (more brilliance!). My older son's room is also in black and white with color - I'll post about it later this week, I hope you'll take a look!

Lauren, you are one talented girl. I love visiting your blog. I love what you have done to your home. It looks like it is straight out of the Domino Magazine.Hope you are having a great week.Take Care,Maria

WOW! What a great Home tour. It looks like a magazine. Good thing you and hubby have vision for the dimond in the rough. We moved in October and we bought our house because it needed nothing. And now we are starting to change things to fit our personality.

Lauren, I should not be blogging at work but had to log in quickly to say (a) you are amazing (b) your house is amazing, airy, gorgeous, tranquil, peaceful and overall...BEAUTIFUL (like you) and (c) you are so talented and I want to live with you, or have you move here.

haha.You are my hero. How gorgeous. I see your home and wonder how mine can look so bad!! :)

Lauren, you have such incredible talent. I love seeing this all in on place. I recently learned we are relocating to Dallas and I've got to say your blog has inspired me to really look beyond cover and consider the potential.

My goodness that is amazing. I cannot believe the foyer. I feel like I have seen this image over and over, but I am not sure I connected it to you. It is breathtaking! The orange door is perfect! The clear table in the family room is so cool. I also really like the chandelier that looks like it is hanging in the corner. How did you think of that? The black chandelier is so graphic! I love it! Such a statement. Of course the kitchen is perfect. What a cool thing you did with the refrigerator. I can't believe you get to sleep in that room! jealous!

Your are so talented!

I just wrote a post with a sort of similar before and after showing some amazing interior design. I would love for you to stop by and see it.

I am at a loss for words. Wow...you had a vision and it is absolutly beautiful. I felt like I was looking at a designer magazine and photo's! Sometimes it is a good thing to not follow advise and follow your dreams and vision! Thank you so much for sharing with us!Wendy

it is so nice to see a great change like you have done. its actually fun to look at. congrats. your attention to detail is great .. if i had to pick my favourite room it would probably be your little ones room with the fabric draped over the cot (along with his little reading area). your light fittings are great. your little reading areas throughout. great. everything. GREAT

You are a genius! Such an inspiration to all young couples that are trying to do it themselves on a budget. Many can take a house with character and give it style, but you took a house without and gave it style! I am forwarding this blog to both of my children and my nieces and nephews! Great job!

Wow! what an amazing transformation. Thank you for taking us on a ride! I LOVE your entry way! Absolutely beautiful. And thanks for sharing the idea of "adding" a fireplace! I had no idea you could do that but it makes perfect sense to anchor a livingroom!

I have been reading your blog for a while now and I am obsessed with your orange front door. My husband who usually chooses to have no input in the design of the house also loves your front door. I have painted two paint samples on the door one looks like a hunter "don't shoot me" orange and the other is a little darker and boring. Would you mind sharing with me what color you painted your front door so that I could try it out and see if it is the shade we want.

I LOVE your blog, I am new here from V&L and so glad I came. I knew I needed something for a wall in my *apt* room that I want to re-do (I just posted about it this weekend) and I FOUND IT, you TV cabinet...Oh if only I could have that....if you have any time would you be able to let me know about it...I'm in total love and lust!

this is stunning. I am amazed at the amount of work you've done in just two years. I've lived in my little cottage for almost seven years now and there are areas that still aren't "finished". I guess to a certain extent, we decorating types are never totally "finished", but still...you have great style that really resonates with me and I'm so glad I've found your blog.

Love what you have done...you have wonderful vision! We at light fixtures for our new home and I was wondering if you had any information you could share about caged lantern in your foyer...I love it! Thanks!

Just moved into a new apartment and I don't even know where to begin decorating. There are soo many ways to go about designing it and I'm having a hard time committing to a scheme. With all the options out there how do you go about deciding how you want your rooms to look?

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the inspiration. We live in a split-level home... we wanted to live in a darling little community, and these were the homes in our price-range. You have motivated me to go beyond what anyone dreamed I could do with my place. I come back to your blog often. With great sincerity, thankyou.

I LOVE your home!!! We also have a split-foyer home that was built in 1979. It's a challenging house to deal with sometimes, especially the foyer. I love seeing what you've done with yours. When you walk up the stairs, the main living areas are 100% open, which makes it a little tricky to decorate. But the absolute thorn in my side has been our lower level. I can never figure out what to do with it. Was it a requirement of this type of house to make it so difficult to deal with?? I agree with the feeling of being in a treehouse. Ours is in the woods also, and I like being up higher.. it's especially pretty in the winter time!

What an amazing and talented designer you are. I love your home. I have seen, (and saved,) photos of it from all over the web. What a treat it was to come across your blog today and get the whole house tour!

I am decorating a split foyer (very much like yours) at the moment, and I've decided to paint the top of it the dark gray color you chose. Can you share what color/brand paint you used on the exterior? I would greatly appreciate it. :)

Hi, I own a little store in Brazil that sells embroidered linens, and I have a blog about it. the other day, I decided to do a post on how kitchens have changed in concept, in recent years, and I posted your kitchen. Please visithttp://www.linum.blog.br/2011/03/sobre-cozinhas-e-novos-tempos/

It is one of the most amazing transformations I have ever seen. I love your new (old), redone gorgeous home! I hope you don't mind, but I posted it on my blog today. Thanks for a really great read and inspiration!XOXOHooper Pattersonwww.birdsofafeatherdesign.com

Could you please share where you purchased your green sofa in your living area. I love the color. I'm working with a custom sofa co in CA and I was hoping you could share the fabric manufacturer, type an dcolor so I can try to obtain a swatch and match as best as possible with the options I have available.Thank you!pothierchristine@hotmail.com

Hi Lauren, I like your blog and love your amazing "before and after" of your home, so I've made a post about it, and I published some of your pictures in my blog Estilo y decoración, I hope you don't mind.Despite my blog is in Spanish I hope you can visit

I love your home. You've put so much work into it and it shows. Beautiful! I think this is the third or fourth time I've re-read this post. We're about to psint our home a gray and I'm wondering if you would mind sharing what color gray you chose for the exterior of your home? Thanks so much in advance.Janellejfernstr@hotmail.com

I was so thrilled to see your home featured in the Washington Post this past week! My husband and I bought a split foyer home in Clifton, VA 10 years ago, and since then I've been searching for improvement ideas - especially for the facade. How inspiring it is to see how beautifully you have transformed your home!

I love your home! It is just beautiful. I see you got your swing arm brass lamp and it looks perfect next to your lovely brass bed. I love-love-love the mid-century lamp with the 2 tiered fiberglass shades. I even love the rock wall which surprised me. You have such a great eye. Thank you for letting me "tour" your home. :)

Wow! I just want to say thank you for your blog! I am relatively new to the blogosphere and am quickly discovering that it really is the best place for a SAHM like me to find inspiration for home decorating. Though I've been enjoying MANY diy and home blogs I've felt like they are either contemporary or (more often than not) totally girly shabby chic. I like and appreciate both but it just didn't feel right. Your home has inspired me anew bc it is the absolute closest to what I want to emulate in our little home. SO, thank you thank you and THANK YOU!

oh my gosh! a friend referred me here. this house is nothing short of beautiful and amazing. i'm so proud of you for all your hard work! i have to get the kids off to school but when i get back, i plan to spend some time catching up on your posts :) that's how addicting your site is!

may i ask a quick question? when you beadboarded your wall, how did you finish it off at the ceiling? i can't quite tell. is there some sort of molding that covers up the seams between end of bead board/beginning of ceiling?

I loved looking at the pictures of your home! You have fun eclectic style! I noticed that you did white curtains in your rooms, which is a look I LOVE. I've been looking everywhere for white curtains for over a year and have yet to find ones that I like- there don't seem to be much out there. if you don't mind, would you be able to tell me where you got yours for the living room and bedroom (before and after pics). It would help me so much! thanks and keep up the awesome decorating !

I love that you're featuring your home today! It's so beautiful that I put together a post about it to show today as well! It is so beautiful that I had to share it on my humble blog.mymulberrytree.blogspot.com

I saw your house tour a few years ago and stumbled upon it again through pinterst. I just love what you envisioned and the afters are just beautiful. Is that a camel stool used as a foot rest? My father in law has one he bought in morocco years ago and I've never seen one used that way! Also the old fisherman with pipe portrait is perfect. Was that a flea it find?

I just found your wonderful blog. I enjoyed looking at all your before and after photos of your home. We also bought a house 2 yrs ago that needed much help and are almost finished. There will always be something to do tho! I love all of what you did in your home - you have a great talent with a big vision!

As a decorator & a textile designer, this is my place to muse... perfection doesn't interest me; Reality and charm do. Fresh floppy flowers from the garden over long-stemmed roses any day, I love it when things are slightly off and tell a story.